September 5, 2024 – Emporia State fell in their season opener against Rockhurst in three sets on Thursday night in Kansas City.
In the first set, the Hornets started off strong, building a 6-1 lead over the Hawks and forcing the hosts to take a timeout. Rockhurst responded with a 6-1 run of their own to tie the set 7-7 before eventually taking a 13-10 lead over Emporia State, causing the Hornets to take their first timeout. The Hornets trimmed the deficit to 19-17 later in the set but eventually fell 25-18.
Emporia State once again got out to a strong start in set two, building an 11-6 lead over Rockhurst. The Hawks rallied back to tie the set 13-13, forcing a Hornet timeout. After trading points out of the timeout, the Hornets rallied to hold a 23-18 lead late in the set. Emporia State was unable to hold off the Hawks, as an 8-1 scoring run gave Rockhurst the second set 26-24.
The third set started 4-4 before Rockhurst put together a 6-1 scoring run to build a five-point lead. Emporia State cut the lead to 13-10 but were unable to pull any closer as the Hawks eventually took set three 25-13 over the Hornets as Emporia State fell 3-0 against Rockhurst, who entered the match receiving votes in the AVCA Preseason Poll.
Rayishon Jackman had 11 kills and eight digs in her Hornet debut.
Brailee Bogle had 22 assists and four kills.
Sydney Fiatte had a team-high 17 digs in her first match with the Hornets.
Emporia State will have two games on day two of the Kansas City Classic with the first coming against Sioux Falls at 1:00 p.m. and the second at William Jewell at 5:00 p.m. Both matches will be in Liberty, Mo.
